Independent TD Mattie McGrath has welcomed the decision to reverse the cuts to the Senior Alerts Scheme and has complimented the Minister for the Environment for his understanding of the importance of this scheme and for making the decision to reverse the cuts.

“This is a vital service and has never been more needed. Elderly people are living in fear in their homes and with the on-going closures of Garda stations and cuts to Home Help hours; they need to know that they can make immediate contact with someone in the case of an emergency.” Said Deputy McGrath

He also complimented the board of Muintir Na Tíre who oversee the implementation of the scheme nationally and who met with Minister Hogan on Saturday morning to stress the importance of the scheme.

“Muintir Na Tíre do wonderful work ensuring the safety of the elderly in each and every Community throughout the Country through their Community Alert Groups and they know first-hand how important this scheme is. Volunteers within the Community Alert Groups are in the front line and they know what devastating effects this cut would have had if it had been forced through.”

“It is important that our elderly citizens feel safe in their own home and I would like to thank Minister Hogan for reversing this cut. I would also like to pay tribute to each and every Community Alert Member throughout the country who volunteer their time fitting these monitored alarm phones and ensuring that our elderly can continue to live safely in their homes,” concluded the South Tipp TD.